Newcastle United remain optimistic that they will sign attacking reinforcements this month - and have an extensive list of back-up options should they fail to secure their priority targets.

Rafa Benitez is in the market for an attacking-midfielder and a winger during the current window and will be given money to spend by the Magpies board, though loan deals are also being sought.

Six-month loan offers have already been made for Everton’s Tom Cleverley, Manchester City’s Fabian Delph and Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek - with United waiting to hear back on all three.

The Magpies would like to make a signing as soon as possible but realise that any loan deals could be protracted. For example Everton boss Ronald Koeman has made it clear he wants a replacement signed before allowing Cleverley to depart, though Morgan Schneiderlin is reportedly close to joining the Toffees from Manchester United.

What’s more United face competition for the trio; Burnley are interested in Cleverley, West Bromwich Albion are tracking Delph’s situation, while Brighton and Hove Albion are among a host of clubs rivalling Newcastle for Loftus-Cheek’s signature.

But, should United see their loan bids for those three rejected, they have several other back-up targets to turn to.

To highlight the depth of options United are considering, Cleverley is just one of three players at Everton alone the Magpies have enquired about.

Republic of Ireland international James McCarthy is a player Benitez rates extremely highly but Newcastle’s tentative advances were rebuffed and, should the midfielder stay at Goodison Park, he is someone United could revisit in the summer.

Fleeting interest was also expressed in Gerard Deulofeu - a target for AC Milan - last month, but was quickly dropped when it became clear that deal was unlikely.

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Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United have also been contacted, with Newcastle highlighting their desire to bring in talented youngsters or fringe players on loan - while Loftus-Cheek is not the only Chelsea prospect United covet.

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The Magpies’ search for reinforcements has not been limited to the British Isles either; players operating in European and even Middle-Eastern leagues have also been scouted extensively.

What is clear about Newcastle’s approach during this mid-season window is that they are willing to show far greater flexibility as far as transfers are concerned than they did 12 months ago.

In January 2016, United gambled on Saido Berahino and came unstuck when West Bromwich Albion held resolute in their refusal to sell.

Yet the Magpies will not be as folly this time around. Should it become clear that any of their top targets are beyond their reach, Newcastle will move on to back-up options.

Hull City’s Robert Snodgrass is another winger United like, while Montpellier attacking-midfielder Ryad Boudebouz was offered to the club last month.

Newcastle’s list of alternatives is extensive and Benitez is determined to secure reinforcements to ensure he has a squad capable of securing promotion by the time the January window closes.